Quinoa is very easy to cook and cooks very quickly, making it a good option for busy people. It can be prepared in advance and frozen or refrigerated. To freeze or refrigerate cooked quinoa, double wrap the quinoa in plastic wrap tightly and then put it into your freezer or refrigerator. Allow it to thaw before using.

1. 1
   Rinse the quinoa well. Saponin, a soapy, bitter coating, occurs naturally on the outside of the seeds. This coating is a natural insect repellent, but it’s not toxic to humans. Most of the saponin can be removed with a cold water rinse, so a light wash is sufficient.
   • To rinse the quinoa, put your measured-out quinoa into a strainer. Make sure that the strainer has small holes so that you don’t let any of the grains down the drain.
   • Run cool tap water over the grains as you rub them gently between your fingers. As you rub, you will naturally remove the saponin. Continue cleaning the quinoa for a minute or two - the amount of time spent rinsing will depend on the quantity you’re preparing to cook. The more you plan to cook, the more time!
2. 2
   Use a rice cooker to make quinoa.
   • Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup rinsed quinoa into your rice cooker, put the lid on and start cooking. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to cook.
   • Once the rice cooker finishes, allow the quinoa to cool. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork just like you would with rice or couscous.

1. 
   1
   Pick the right vegetables. Many vegetables are suitable, including carrots, potatoes, squash, and rutabagas. You could also use firm tofu and add a food color to the water, which the tofu will soak up. You can do this with the vegetables, too. Be bold!
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Prepare your vegetables. Boil or steam the vegetables so they are soft but not mushy. Soak them for a couple minutes in salt water. This will make them a little firmer by drawing out some of the moisture.
3. 
   3
   Cut the vegetables into cube shapes. As with real LEGO pieces, you will need to decide what bricks you would like to make: a single stud square brick, the four stud square, or the six stud rectangle. ("Stud" refers to the little bumps on top of real LEGO bricks).
4. 
   4
   Poke a straw all the way through the vegetable. This will create a round hole and will push out the inside the vegetable brick. Be sure to match holes with the LEGO stud arrangement you're creating.
5. 
   5
   Using a toothpick, push the stud from the bottom of the vegetable brick until it sticks out of the top. This ensures that it looks like a LEGO brick, complete with studs!
6. 
   6
   Check the studs are evenly positioned across the top by looking at the brick sideways. If it's not, carefully press a stud back in, or poke one farther out.
7. 
   7
   Serve with a smile on a colorful plate. Your kids will be delighted!
   Ad

1. 
   1
   Prioritize your purchases.
   • Many organic farmers and distributors around the country offer community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes with local organic produce made to order with seasonal vegetables and consumer specified ingredients. These organizations provide delivery services and buying directly from the farmers and distributors can be much more cost effective.
   • Eating healthy organic and natural foods can provide you with a lot of nourishment.
   • The vitamins and minerals in healthy plant-based foods ultimately provide more nourishment in smaller portions, eliminating the desire for over consumption.
   • Eliminate unnecessary purchases like clothing, shoes, snacks, excess gifts and other spontaneous purchases.
   • Cut back on going out to eat or drink as often. Having discipline, and the ability to prioritize, can allow you to afford healthy food.
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Set a budget.
   • Make a spreadsheet with your necessary purchases and projected income for the week or month.
   • This will allow you to prioritize and cut back on purchases that are unnecessary.
3. 
   3
   Purchase produce from local farmer's markets.
   • Organic produce is often far less expensive when bought directly from the farmer.
4. 4
   Buy a CSA produce box weekly.
5. 
   5
   Reduce meat consumption.
   • Meat can be expensive, especially if it is organic.
   • Cutting back or eliminating meat from your diet can reduce potential health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes.
   • In addition, it can save time in the preparation of meals.
6. 
   6
   Look for bulk grains.
   • Purchasing grains like brown rice, buckwheat, oats, millet rice and quinoa in bulk can save a lot of money.
   • Even at expensive stores like Whole Foods, the bulk section will help one save. For example, bulk oatmeal can be as little as 15¢ per serving. Compare that with upwards of over a dollar per serving for packaged oatmeal.
   • These healthy grains provide the necessary vitamins and minerals and, when paired with a beans or legumes, make a complete protein.
   • Organic grains are readily available in bulk and are ideal for a healthy diet.
7. 
   7
   Stock up on bulk legumes and beans.
   • Conventional and organic beans and legumes are readily available.
   • Buying dry lentils and different types of beans can also save you some money, because they have not been canned and you don't pay for the processing.
   • The consumption of dry food often takes a little bit of extra preparation, such as soaking the beans, but it ultimately saves you money.
8. 
   8
   Reduce dairy consumption.
   • Non-organic dairy products, including cheese and milk, are heavily processed and can cause many health problems including cardiac disease and obesity.
   • Eliminating these products from your diet can also save you money.
9. 9
   Get only what you need.
   • Make meal plans for the week and purchase only the ingredients that are necessary.
   • Making meal plans can keep you disciplined and minimize waste.
   • Make a list and buy nothing else.
10. 
    10
    Purchase store brands.
    • Many large-chain grocery stores offer a line of natural food products that are healthy and organic for less money than popular big name brands.
11. 11
    Make large meals.
    • Make large pots of soup or rice and lentils with lots of healthy organic ingredients and freeze single portions to take for lunch.
    • Eating healthy, nourishing food that is prepared from home eliminates the need to go out for lunch.
12. 
    12
    Cook with whole foods.
    • Cooking meals from scratch using whole foods can be time consuming, but ultimately less expensive than buying prepared food or frozen dinners.
    • Although there are many organic and natural prepared meals available, you are paying extra money for the packaging and preparation of the food.
13. 
    13
    Eat less.
    • We often eat too much and too quickly given our hectic lifestyles, but eating more slowly and eating smaller portions is better for your metabolism. It also takes 20 minutes for you to feel full, because that's the amount of time it takes for the message to get from your stomach to your brain. Consuming less food and eating slowly will mean less groceries to buy after planning your meals, not to mention better health!
14. 14
    Dine with a friend
    • To avoid overeating, slow down by taking smaller bites and chewing longer. Dine with a friend and enjoy conversation while at the same time keeping track of your food. This will not only slow down your eating, but make eating a much more pleasurable experience.
    Ad

1. 
   1
   First of all select a weekend for your picnic. Friday would be better.
2. 
   2
   Hire a bus and count how many of you are going. Arrange seats for all.
3. 
   3
   Take lunch or snacks with you and you must take water or drinks.
4. 
   4
   Take laptop, mobile, camera so that you can enjoy the trip. Keep a smile on your face so that people understands you're enjoying the trip.
5. 
   5
   Take some additional amounts with you if necessary arises.
6. 
   6
   Go with your family friends.
7. 
   7
   Best place would be a open jungle or various interesting tour.
8. 
   8
   That's it. Enjoy your trip.

1. 
   1
   Watch your recipient in the kitchen. Help out, if you have the chance. Notice if any tools or utensils seem flimsy, worn, or if any task seems to require undue time or effort.
   • Find out if the recipient is trying anything new. Is he learning how to bake bread? This might be the right time for a dough scraper.
   • There is a gadget for almost everything. The right tool will be a great help in their cooking. The wrong tool will be just so much unused clutter.
   • Remember that a worn tool may be worn because it's well used and the right tool for the job. If it's on its last legs, a replacement may be just the thing. If it's an old standby and still going strong, don't replace it.
   • Keep your ears open for any opinions (good or bad) about the tools they have or don't have. These are often good clues as to what gifts would be well received.
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Share a recipe. If you also cook, there's a good chance you know a dish or two that would be new to your recipient.
   • Offer to cook it with the person, if you have time. This is especially valuable if the recipe involves any special techniques. Create a small gift voucher or promise note setting out the offer.
   • Write out the recipe and put at least the non-perishable ingredients together as a mix or kit. One possibility is to put them in a jar.
3. 
   3
   Offer ingredients. The best ingredients may not be something entirely new, but something a little fancier or more expensive than the ones they currently use. Here are some possibilities to get you started:
   • Salt and pepper. For a gift, look for the fancy, gourmet versions, such as pink Himalayan salt, that your aspiring chef may not have tried yet. Many come in grinders.
     
   • Real maple syrup. You could pair it with a pancake or waffle mix, or with a griddle or waffle iron if they don't yet have one.
   • Honey. Honeys can be as diverse and complex in flavor as wine, depending on what kinds of plants the bees visited. See what your local natural foods or specialty store offers, and get a special kind, or a selection.
     
   • Handmade pasta. Include some quality olive oil to round out the gift.
   • Balsamic vinegar. If you live near a wine region, your local winery should have some excellent choices.
4. 
   4
   Share your personal specialty. Homemade bread, jam or preserves, or fresh, homegrown produce all make excellent gifts.
   • Include a label with relevant dates and ingredients. You might also like to share the recipe, unless it's a family secret!
5. 
   5
   Go on an outing together. A foodie outing can be a wonderful experience as a gift and you get to enjoy the experience too.
   • Go wine tasting.
     
   • Give the cook a day off. Visit a good restaurant together, or cook for the person.
   • Visit a farmer's market or gourmet market together. Offer to purchase some items there as part of the outing.
   • Look for local restaurant events in which you get to sample restaurant cuisine portions at great prices; this can make a fun and inspiring outing.
6. 
   6
   Look around for subscription services. In many places, it's possible to subscribe to an assortment of things, either on a one-time or monthly basis.
   • A wine of the month.
   • A Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA). Here, you support with a local, small farm, buying fresh, local produce (and sometimes eggs and meats).
   • A cooking-related magazine.
7. 
   7
   Consider kitchen scissors. Good kitchen scissors are indispensable, yet scissors get damaged and lost, and kitchen scissors are often chosen as an afterthought.
   • Quality knives are also desirable but not everyone is comfortable with giving knives as a present.
8. 
   8
   Give a gift certificate to a local food store. Natural and specialty foods are good choices, if your recipient will use them.
   • Another useful idea is to give a certificate to cooking classes at a local store or restaurant. Be sure to check for flexibility in the classes so that your recipient can attend at their convenience.
9. 
   9
   Give plants. Even if it's just a windowsill, start an indoor herb garden or supply the seeds, pots, and soil for one.
   • An indoor salad-growing kit is a wonderful gift for apartment dwellers and winter gifts.
10. 
    10
    Consider giving him/her cultural cookware. A wok, chopsticks, and sushi rollers can be a great gift as well.
11. 
    11
    Buy them a cookbook. Maybe they could make some exotic recipes they've never heard of using that, or even making a classic recipe that's really popular among a lot of people.
12. 12
    Take close up pictures of dishes they have made. A macro lense or camera set on close-up or food mode works great. Compile the images into a photo book and add in notes or simply blank lined pages for the recipient to write in their recipe for the dish.
    Ad

1. 1
   Add 4 oz. (113 g) of pungent cheese, like Parmesan, to the top of a pasta dish. There is approximately 0.42 oz. (12 g) of glutamate in 4 oz. (113 g) of Parmesan cheese. It will add a balanced savory flavor to bitter or sweet pasta dishes.
   Ad
2. 2
   Use anchovies to add the umami taste to a variety of dishes. Salty, cured fish are rich in glutamate. For example, the classic Caesar salad places dried anchovies on top of the salad leaves, croutons and dressing to impart extra flavor.
   • You can also make or buy umami butter to place on top of beef steak, poultry or fish. It can be created by combining anchovy paste with butter.
   • You can enhance pasta sauces by adding anchovy paste to tomato paste when producing your homemade pasta sauce. The salt and oil inside the anchovy will boost the vegetable and fruit flavors in the sauce. This is also a great addition to pesto.
   • 4 oz. (113 g) of tomatoes also contain 0.0007 oz. (0.02 g) of glutamate. This is most easily released by the addition of alcohol to the tomatoes. Traditionally, wine is added to a tomato sauce to release the umami flavor; however, it can be done more efficiently and effectively with the addition of vodka.
3. 3
   Add soy sauce, fish sauce or seaweed flakes to Asian recipes to activate the umami taste. These store-bought condiments are available in stores in either the condiment or Asian food section. They can be added during cooking or just after.
4. 4
   Create the umami taste from making miso soup. Miso soup is made with dashi broth, created by heating water and adding edible kelp and shavings of fermented tuna. You can buy miso soup mix in stores, as the original ingredients are hard to find in western markets.
5. 5
   Add cured ham or bacon to any dish to activate the umami flavor. The salt-curing process creates a savory flavor that pairs well with eggs, pastas, sandwiches and many other kinds of recipes.
6. 6
   Add green peas to a dish to add a natural umami flavor. Green peas contain a high amount of glutamate and they can be added as a side dish or in a casserole to create a natural, low-sodium savory flavor.
7. 7
   Add mature or dried mushrooms to a dish to produce the umami flavor. One of the most common ways to do this is to add either white or black truffle oil on top of a dish or in the sauce.
8. 8
   Buy umami paste to use in a combination of any number of casserole or pasta dishes. This paste is usually made from mushrooms, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar and black olives. You can use it in the following ways:
   • You can use umami paste as a condiment. Spread a thin layer on crostini, burgers or sandwiches. You can also mix it into dips and mayonnaise.
   • Rub umami paste onto meat, poultry or fish, just as you would a salt rub. The taste will be incorporated into the meat through the roasting or cooking process.
   • Squeeze a half tsp. or tsp. (2.5 to 5 g) of umami paste into stir fries, casseroles, risotto, pizza sauce, pasta sauce, soup and stew.
   • Squeeze a small amount of umami paste into a heating pan. Add a small amount of white wine and stir well. This will create a sauce that can be added on top of vegetables or meats or used like a bouillon.
   Ad

1. 1
   Change what you've been cooking. If all you've been doing is opening cans and ripping over packages of instant food, it's time to get daring and dip your fingers into food-from-scratch. Don't worry––there are plenty of recipes which explain exactly what to do in order to create real food that tastes great.
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Visit your local library. Go to the cookbook section and borrow some cookbooks that tickle your fancy. Try to stick with less complicated recipes to begin with though––you don't want to be put off before you've even started.
   • Basics cookbooks are very good books to begin with. These books tend to explain terminology and techniques, as well as providing samples of simple but essential recipes. You can learn a lot from even just one such book, and then graduate onto cookbooks that seem like favourites to you.
   • When reading a cookbook, check out how recipes are written and look for the basic terms and methods. Also notice that particular types of food (for example, bread, soup, meat, cake, etc.) have specific requirements in common to many recipes within that type of food.
3. 
   3
   Check out free recipes on the internet. There are recipes everywhere on the internet, including on wikiHow. You have so many choices that it is important to work out which sites you like and trust instead of spending all day collecting recipes, so be discerning in your selection. It also helps to find recipes that allow comments; that way, you can see what others say about the recipes and what changes or additions they suggest.
   • Get to know the food bloggers. There are bound to be some you love because they cook the sort of food you like and share interesting anecdotes that make reading their blog worthwhile. You can usually subscribe to such blogs to get regular updates and when you're game, you can also share comments about your experiences of the recipes they're suggesting.
4. 
   4
   Watch cooking shows to get some more ideas. Cooking shows are all over the TV nowadays, so it won't be hard to find one you like. This can help you learn techniques, find food of interest to you and maybe even get fired up about improving your cooking skills.
   • Warning: Cooking shows can be addictive. Try to keep them in perspective and ration the TV viewing.
5. 5
   Talk to other cooks. Learn what motivates and inspires other cooks. Observe them and ask questions. This can a fun and socially engaging way to learn more about cooking.

1. 
   1
   Don't wait. Get started today. It doesn't matter if it doesn't work, you're learning and you'll learn faster by doing than by thinking about it. Expect to make mistakes and some stuff that doesn't taste so great. And for now, don't worry how it looks––work on how it tastes to begin with. Indeed, some people never get beyond how it tastes, and that is just fine because everyone loves good tasting food!
   • A word of advice: Don't try anything that requires expensive ingredients, has a very long list of steps, or is notoriously difficult at first. Give yourself a chance!
2. 
   2
   Begin with affordable ingredients. That way, the errors aren't so costly and you can repeat until you get it right. And have fun in the process!
3. 3
   Choose simple recipes for your cheap ingredients. That way, you won't get frustrated and you won't be stuck at a hot stove or cranky mixing bowl for more than a few minutes at a time.
4. 
   4
   Keep reading and keep experimenting with your cooking. Taste the food you make, then practice how to make it taste better. A great cook can tell by mere taste what else needs to be added to improve a bland or strange tasting dish and most of this comes from sheer practice and innate decisions. On your side is the fact that you care enough about food to give this a go, so you'll get the hang of flavoring food in no time.
   • It really helps know what kinds of flavors you like and try to get them in your dish.
5. 5
   Fix your errors. There are basic techniques for repairing mistakes, such as thickening or thinning a food, lessening saltiness, and turning a failure into a completely different dish (with nobody the wiser). That said, some mistakes can't be fixed, such as burnt food (the taste goes all the way through). Learn when to simply throw out something and try again and when you can completely transform an error.
6. 6
   Be confident. In order to be a great cook, you need to be confident. Sometimes, being nervous can spoil your dish. Fake it until you make it (or bake it) and something good is bound to come out!
   • Some people truly believe that emotions get cooked into food. Hence, it would be advisable not to cook when you're angry, if you follow this belief.
7. 7
   Find a brave friend or family member to taste test your new creations. Ask this person to give you honest feedback and to make suggestions for changes. Be prepared to accept constructive feedback; you can't improve your skills without this.
   Ad

1. 
   1
   Remove objects that can be broken or damaged during the evening. It is better to keep things out of harm's way and avoid potential embarrassment and even injury to guests who might accidentally break something, as well as avoiding you the disappointment of a broken heirloom or expensive item!
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Check for allergies and dietary preferences beforehand. If possible, ask people about dietary preferences and allergies prior to the event. If this is not possible, ask on their arrival.
   • Always have some basic back-ups tucked away somewhere for those who are with faith-based food restrictions, vegetarians, vegans, gluten-intolerant, dairy-free, egg-free, and for dieters. It sounds worse than it really is; for example, you can easily deal with all of these people with a single dish such as quinoa salad, roasted or steamed veggies, rice pasta main course, and a fruit salad for dessert is always an easy option!
3. 
   3
   Do not overstock your bar. Aim for about 1 drink per person per hour. Offer self-serve wine and beer and only leave enough glasses for the amount of guests; more can be washed if asked. Leave plenty of non-alcoholic choices around as well, such as water, juice,and mocktails and sodas. Leave nibbles to distract drinkers from constant drinking. If you wish to have cocktails, serve one with pomp and ceremony at the beginning. You can also consider a single serve of liqueur at the end of the evening.
4. 
   4
   Politely decline to serve more alcoholic refreshments to anyone who seems to be drunk; avoid refilling their glass and remove bottles etc. from the service area at the end of the main meal. Call a taxi for anyone who looks unfit to drive and reassure them that there car will be safe parked at your home until the following day; offer to collect them even if this is not too difficult for you.
5. 
   5
   Serve coffee and tea at the end of the evening. This is a sign that any more drinking is at an end and it is a means by which to give your guests a chance to revive themselves and prepare to leave.
6. 
   6
   Make sure that there is a safe place for guests to leave their valuables. If you have any concerns, have guests leave handbags etc. in an open area obvious to all.
7. 
   7
   Be the ice melter. A responsible host fuels the conversation all night and steers like guests to like guests so that they feel comfortable with one another and find someone to converse with. Do notice the wallflower and try and draw them into the discussions. Ask questions and listen actively. Be ready to help others when you can. Finally, smile as much as you can!
   Ad

1. 1
   Know that garlic can improve your cardiovascular health. Garlic can help to improve your cardiovascular health and stave off a number of heart-related issues, such as:
   • High blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attacks and hardening of the arteries.
   • This is due to the fact that garlic contains a unique set of sulfur compounds which enlarge and and relax the arteries, improving blood flow around the body.^[1]
   Ad
2. 2
   Know that garlic can help to ward off cancer. According to a number of studies, people who eat high quantities of garlic are at a reduced risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as:
   • Colon cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer. It may also be beneficial in the treatment of prostate and bladder cancer.^[2]
   • It is believed that the allyl sulfides found in garlic may be responsible for these benefits.
3. 3
   Know that garlic can help to combat colds. Garlic can be used to prevent and treat colds, as it is packed with antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
   • It also contains a large number of antioxidants, which boosts your immune system and help your body to fight off the cold virus.
   • Garlic can also help to shorten the duration of existing colds by helping your body to fight off the cold virus. Try drinking a garlic-infused tea flavored with honey and ginger.
4. 4
   Know that garlic can be used in a variety of home remedies. Garlic is also a popular ingredient in a vast array of home remedies, such as:
   • Soothing psoriasis. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is sometimes used to relieve psoriasis outbreaks by soothing inflamed skin.
   • Clearing acne. Garlic helps to dry out large pimples and kill bacteria on the surface of the skin.
   • Treating athlete's foot. Garlic's anti-fungal fungal properties make it effective treatment for athletes foot.
   • Healing cold sores. Garlic's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness and swelling, shortening the duration of cold sores.^[3]

1. 
   1
   Get a clove of garlic from a local food store. Make sure the garlic is fresh and from a good producer. The fresher the garlic the better the benefits.
2. 
   2
   Peel the skin off of one part of the clove. Put the rest of the garlic in a container in the pantry or freezer to keep it fresh. The fresher it is the more minerals and vitamins are in it and that will provide many more benefits.
3. 
   3
   Cut a small chunk off of the part you peeled. Make sure it is a very small part of the clove you can get sick from to much garlic and the point of this is to make you feel better.
4. 
   4
   Swallow the garlic with a full glass of water. The water helps to calm your stomach and sends helps with digestion.
5. 
   5
   Continue to do this every morning for better health. Make it a habit of this. Combined with vitamins and a good breakfast this will have you feeling much better soon. The garlic will help with dark rings under the eyes and will improve the immune system.

1. 1
   Use only fresh garlic. Fresh garlic has more nutritional benefits and greater flavor than garlic flakes, powder or paste. Therefore you should always choose to use fresh garlic in your cooking when possible.
   • When buying fresh garlic, look for plump, firm bulbs with unbroken skin. Avoid bulbs that are soft or shriveled looking.
   • Store fresh garlic uncovered in a cool place away from direct sunlight, as this helps to prevent sprouting. It should last for up to a month before it grows moldy.
2. 2
   Prepare garlic correctly. Fresh garlic needs to be prepared in a particular way in order to maximize its health benefits.
   • Separate the cloves and remove the skin from each, then crush or chop the garlic and leave it to sit for 5 minutes before using it in your cooking.
   • This sitting period allows an important enzymatic process to take place: a phytonutrient known as alliin is converted into allicin, an active compound which is responsible for the majority of garlic's health benefits.
   • After the 5 minutes are up, the garlic should be eaten or used as quickly as possible as the allicin will quickly become inactive.
   • During cooking, add crushed or chopped garlic near the end of cooking time to retain the most flavor and nutritional value^[4].
3. 3
   Add garlic to cooking. Garlic is an extremely versatile herb, and can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Try using garlic in some of the following ways:
   • Add fresh garlic to salad dressings, salsas and butters to add a fiery and pungent flavor.
   • Add a few cloves of garlic to trays of roasting meat or vegetables to add a milder, more aromatic garlic flavor.
   • Use chopped garlic as a base in sauces, soups and casseroles for improved flavor.^[5]
   Ad

1. 1
   Earn, find, or ask for money. It can be cash, debit or credit, or a check.
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Go to a local grocery store. Walmart is great because they have practically every food and it's all cheap.
3. 
   3
   Select the foods you would like to purchase and put them in a cart or hold them. Keep in mind of how much money you have to spend.
4. 
   4
   Walk up to a checkout line and wait until your turn comes.
5. 
   5
   Hand your checkout person your food so that they can ring it up.
6. 
   6
   Give them as much money as they need and they will hand you your receipt.
7. 
   7
   Grab your bags and leave.
   Ad

1. 
   1
   Begin by draping the cloth over the table. Make sure it’s even in the front with an equal amount of slack on the table’s end.
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Stand parallel to the table’s side, and place your two “Show Fingers” on the table’s front corner. (Your “Show Fingers ” are the two fingers that are placed on the table’s front edge - closest to from where your audience would be watching if your were on stage performing your terrific table boxing show!)
3. 
   3
   As your “show fingers” hold down the front corner of the cloth, trace along the table’s edge and grab the cloth hanging from the backside and bring it up. Keep the cloth in a straight line, parallel with the table.
4. 
   4
   Still keeping the “Show Fingers” in place, bring the “backside” portion of the cloth to the table’s front edge. Smooth out any folds of wrinkles underneath.
5. 
   5
   Place your “Show Fingers” firmly on the back of that front corner, then pull the cloth back to that same backside corner you took the cloth from to make that straight parallel line.
6. 
   6
   Repeat on the opposite side.
   Ad

1. 1
   Consider your budget.
   • Dinette sets can come complete with the chairs and table grouped into 1 price, or the tables and chairs can be priced individually. No matter how the dinette set is sold, you should first consider what your budget is for the furniture. Remember, however, that you get what you pay for. If you buy an especially cheap dinette set, you may find yourself needing to replace it sooner than you'd have liked. A cheap dinette set may not save you money in the long run.
   Ad
2. 2
   Consider the size.
   • Don't buy a dinette table larger than you need. If you have 4 people in your family who would eat at the dinette set regularly, then buy a table large enough for 4 chairs. Also consider how much room you have in which to place the dinette set. A small nook might require that you purchase a small table. If you periodically need to seat more than the usual number of people at the table, then consider purchasing one that can be extended and fitted with a table leaf, to increase the size of the table.
3. 3
   Choose the material.
   • Dinette sets can be made of just about any material. The cheapest will be made of plastic, while the most expensive will be made of real wood. Consider how much abuse your table will be taking. If you have small children, then perhaps a solid oak dinette set isn't practical. On the other hand, if you want to buy a piece of furniture to last a lifetime, then by all means invest in the best quality wood you can afford.
4. 4
   Choose the style.
   • Dinette sets are available in myriad styles and finishes. They can be ultra-modern or very traditional. Pick the table and chairs that best suits your style. Dinette sets are available in many colors or finishes. From chrome to cherry wood, all you need to do is pick the style and finish that suits your personal style and home d�cor.
5. 5
   Decide between stools and chairs.
   • Dinette sets are available with either stools or chairs. While sets with stools can look interesting and modern, they may not be practical for small children or where comfort is an issue. If your dinette set is not going to be used often then comfort isn't as much an issue. If you'll be using your set regularly, then opt for regular chairs with cushioned seats.
   Ad

Perhaps the most time-consuming part of shopping for gluten-free snacks is reading the ingredients list of each item. Unless a product is specifically marked “gluten-free,” you should check for any indications that the food or drink may contain gluten.

1. 
   1
   Know the sources of gluten.
   • Avoid buying any snacks with barley, durum, farina, graham flour, kamut, rye, matzo meal, semolina, bulgur, triticale, wheat, and spelt on the label.
   • Do not buy bread, crackers, cookies, muffins, chips, sweets, snack bars, or other grain products unless they have “gluten-free” on the label.
   • Dips, dressings, and sauces may also contain gluten unless specifically labeled otherwise.
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Beware of unnamed food additives. Certain starches, sugars, and added flavors may contain gluten, such as malt flavoring or modified food starch.
3. 
   3
   Avoid snack foods processed on shared equipment. Even if an ingredient label does not specifically list a source of gluten, check for a notice that indicates whether the food has been processed on equipment or in a facility that also produces foods that contain gluten. Cross-contamination can make those with wheat allergies or celiac disease ill even when the food contains very small amounts of gluten transferred from other products.

Find the gluten-free section in your local grocery store. If none is available, request that the manager assemble one with the help of the Internet or gluten-free resources that list common gluten-free foods by name brands.

1. 
   1
   Memorize brands and food types that provide gluten-free snack options. Many potato chip brands are gluten-free, as are many “all-natural” snacks such as sweet potato chips, some corn tortilla chips, or chips made of different vegetables (such as carrots, spinach, or tomatoes).
2. 
   2
   Record your favorite gluten-free snacks. Keeping a personal list of gluten-free foods you enjoy when you find them can make future shopping trips easier. As a bonus, having a list of gluten-free snacks available can provide plenty of creative snacking ideas when you are unsure what to eat.
3. 
   3
   Choose creative snacks from multiple food groups.
   • Vegetables with hummus, nut butters, flavored cream dips, salad dressing, or chunks of cheese can offer healthy gluten-free snack options.
   • Whole fruits, nuts, rice cakes, and salads are healthy, filling, and often gluten-free.
   • Applesauce, fruit cups, and other pre-packaged snack-size foods are also often gluten-free.
   • Certain name brand rice and tapioca puddings may also be gluten-free, and even certain candies, chocolates, and energy bars come naturally gluten-free.

Researching gluten-free options has never been easier. Many websites are specifically devoted to listing gluten-free recipes, snack and meal ideas, name brands, and vendors to help people avoid gluten.

1. 
   1
   Search for lists of gluten-free foods at common stores. For large chain stores, such as Walmart or Walgreen’s, gluten-free dieters have already cataloged “commonly available” food brands that are gluten-free snack options, such as Post Cocoa Pebbles cereal, available at most grocery stores.
2. 
   2
   Get involved in online gluten-free communities. One of the easiest ways to learn which foods are gluten-free or how to eat well on a gluten-free diet is to communicate with other people eating a gluten-free diet.
   • Ask questions on online discussion boards about good snack ideas, or post comments on gluten-free blogs to generate responses on creative gluten-free snacking.
3. 
   3
   Follow websites that track gluten-free brands. In many cases, other gluten-free dieters have already done the work for you, and you will likely find some of your favorite snack brands on pre-compiled lists of gluten-free snack options. Checking back regularly can also alert you to new options or changes in popular brands.
4. 
   4
   Buy an “App” for gluten-free eating. If your mobile phone is capable of running applications, consider investing in a program that will help you navigate ingredient lists and name brands to identify safe foods for gluten-free snacking.
5. 
   5
   Browse a gluten-free recipe database. Consider preparing or customizing gluten-free recipes as snacks. Buying gluten-free ingredients will allow you to snack on the components or mix up the entire recipe. Recipes for side dishes may also be great opportunities to mix up a batch of “snacks” that can last all week.
   Ad

1. 
   1
   On a carving board, place your roasted chicken (we prefer cage free chicken) with breast side up. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. In the meantime, get your carving tools and don’t forget a well-sharpened boning knife, a fork for carving, and serving plates or a platter.
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Cut the skin between the thigh and breast using the tip of your knife to loosen the legs. Start pulling the thighs away from the breast down towards the cutting board (do this one thigh at a time). Second, to remove the whole leg you have to look for the joint where the thighbone is attached to the carcass and then cut straight down. Do the same with the other leg.
3. 
   3
   Place the skin side down on the cutting board after the legs have been removed and locate the joint that connects the thigh from the drumstick. Cut it straight down and put the pieces to your serving dish. Do the same with the second leg.
4. 
   4
   To be able to remove the breasts from the carcass, you have to cut down on either side of the breastbone until you feel the resistance of the cartilage underneath. You now have the cartilage as your guide for separating the breast. You can now run your knife down either side of the chicken until breast separated. Repeat process on the other side. (You have an option to throw the carcass or simmer it to make homemade stock.)
5. 
   5
   On the cutting board, put the breasts with skin side up and pull wings outward. Cut it down at the second joint. You can transfer the wings to the serving dish just like this or you may want to remove the tips of the wing by cutting at the joint.
6. 
   6
   You can do what you want in serving the breasts. You can serve them whole, cut into two pieces, or slice and fan out onto serving dish. Embellish your superbly carved chicken plate with onions, carrots, roasted potatoes or sprigs of thyme and rosemary.
   Ad

1. 1
   Marinate the boneless chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste, 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optionally can use pepper powder), corn flour and salt. Marinate the chicken for 30 min.
2. 
   2
3. 3
   After 30 min shallow fry the marinated chicken in oil. Take it out when it is slightly brown in color and is cooked.
4. 
   4
5. 5
   In wok heat oil. Bring down the flame. Add 1 thinly sliced onion, few ginger julienne and split green chili.
6. 6
   
   
   
7. 7
   When the onions become translucent add cubed green bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until the bell peppers become soft.
8. 
   8
9. 9
   Now when cooked add 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon green chilli sauce and 2 tablespoons sweet tomato ketchup.
10. 10
    
    
    
11. 11
    Now to this mix add the shallow fried chicken pieces, give a nice stir and cook for a while.
12. 
    12
13. 13
    Transfer to plate, garnish with onion rings and serve hot.
14. 
    14

1. 
   1
   Listen to word of mouth recommendations.
   • No amount of advertising can replace a good recommendation from somebody you know and trust. If a friend or acquaintance had a great caterer for their wedding, then this is a caterer you should talk to for your next big event. Conversely, bad reviews should also be heeded.
   Ad
2. 
   2
   Schedule a tasting.
   • Caterers who provide food for large events should offer to provide you with a tasting, in order to gain your business for a large contract. Keep in mind, however, that this tasting will be the very best product the caterers can produce. There's also often a huge difference in quality between preparing a meal for 2 compared to 500.
3. 
   3
   Consider the caterer's specialty.
   • Some caterers specialize in larger scale events and have the equipment and expertise to professionally handle larger numbers of guests. Other caterers specialize in smaller intimate events, cocktail parties, or even just delivery of catered food. Be wary of the caterer who claims to be able to do it all, chances are that they don't excel at any of it.
4. 
   4
   Consider what services you need.
   • Some caterers will only prepare and deliver you the food you ordered, and may even go so far as to set it up. Others can provide fully trained wait staff and support personnel. If you're having a formal event requiring plated service then you want a catering company large enough to handle your needs. Feel free to ask the caterer if their staff comes from a temporary agency or if they are employees of the catering company. Wait staff that comes from a temp agency can imply that the catering company doesn't often handle large, staffed events.
5. 
   5
   Ask for references.
   • When entrusting a single company to handle the food for your event it is essential that you ask for references. Don't just ask them to hand over names; instead ask for referrals of several recent events they catered.
6. 
   6
   Inquire about food freshness.
   • Many caterers cut corners in food preparation by using frozen products. Fresh is always best and they're charging you as though it were made fresh. Insist on only using a caterer that uses fresh food, not frozen.
7. 
   7
   Call the local health department.
   • Most catering companies are subject to licensing and regulation by their local health department, and there will be records on any prior complaints, issues and inspections. This is usually considered public information. If the catering company you're considering hiring has had violations or complaints it's time to look elsewhere.
8. 
   8
   Ask for a quotation.
   • Too often, asking to see the bottom line price is the first step in hiring a caterer when in fact it should be the last. The food for a wedding can be more than 50 percent of the entire wedding cost; you're going to get what you pay for. If your caterer is dropping their price you can be assured they're dropping their quality as well.
9. 
   9
   Read the contract.
   • Never hire a contractor without a firm contract in place. This protects your interests in case the caterer doesn't follow through. Once you've decided on your caterer and agreed upon a price, sign the contract after reading it through carefully.
   Ad

1. 1
   Score the fat layer. Use a sharp kitchen knife to score the fat layer of the ham hock in a few different places before cooking it.
   • Scoring the meat helps to cook the meat and extract the flavor more thoroughly.
   Ad
2. 2
   Transfer the ham hock to a large saucepan. Place the ham hock in a large, heavy saucepan and add 2 cups (500 ml) of water, or enough water to cover the cut of meat by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
3. 3
   Bring the water to a boil. Let the water reach a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, cover the pan reduce the heat to medium. Let the ham hock simmer steadily for 1 to 2 hours.
   • Check the meat every 30 minutes or so after the first hour. The ham hock is ready once the meat falls off the bone.
   • Ham hocks can withstand a long amount of cooking since it is such a tough cut of meat.
4. 4
   Reduce the liquid by half. Take the ham hock out of the water when ready. Turn the heat back to high and boil the water for an additional 20 minutes or so, just until the liquid reduces in quantity by half.
   • Leave the saucepan uncovered during this process.
   • This process creates a rich, flavorful stock that can be used in accompaniment with the meat itself.
5. 5
   Serve. Let the ham hock cool slightly before transferring it to individual serving dishes. Serve after drizzling a little of the stock over the bean.
   • You can also save the stock for later use if you keep it refrigerated and in an airtight container, or you could add it into the water used for any rice, beans, or pasta served on the side.

1. 1
   Soak the beans. Dried beans should be sorted, cleaned, and soaked before you add them to a dish, including this one.
   • Sort through the beans and get rid of any small stones or other debris.
   • Rinse the beans with running water.
   • Soak the beans in 8 cups (2 L) of water inside a large covered saucepan. Allow them to soak overnight in a refrigerator.
   • When done, drain the water and rinse the beans once more.
2. 2
   Heat the oil in a medium Dutch oven. Pour the vegetable oil into a Dutch oven and warm it over medium-high heat. Give the oil a few minutes to become hot.
   • When at the right heat, the oil should look even glossier than normal and should glide around the pan even more readily.
   • Note that if you do not have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy stockpot with a lid will also work.
3. 3
   Sear the ham hocks. Add the ham hocks to the hot oil in batches, searing them on all sides until the meat turns brown. This should take roughly 4 to 6 minutes.
   • Remove the ham hocks when browned and temporarily set them aside in a warm, sanitary spot.
4. 4
   Saute the onions. Add the chopped onions to the hot oil and sprinkle with ground black pepper, to taste. Saute, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes.
   • When done, the onions should look translucent and smell even more fragrant.
   • If you do not know how much pepper to use, start with a small amount like 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) rather than a larger one.
5. 5
   Add the beans and bay leaf. Stir the soaked and drained beans into the Dutch oven, along with the bay leaf. Add more pepper, if desired. Saute for another 1 minute.
6. 6
   Return the ham hocks and add the water. Place the ham hocks back into the Dutch oven and fill with 5 cups (1250 ml) water. Bring to a boil.
7. 7
   Simmer for 2 hours. After the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, covered, until the meat falls off the bones and the beans take on a creamy consistency.
   • Remove the bay leaf when done.
   • Note that if you would prefer a simpler version of this recipe, you could add all the ingredients into a slow cooker as soon as you finish soaking and draining the beans. Cover and cook for 8 hours on high.^[6]
8. 8
   Serve warm. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper and serve while still warm.
   • This meal is typically served like a soup, but you can also use a slotted spoon to lift out the meat and beans, only.^[7]

1. 1
   Boil the ham hocks in water. Place the ham hocks in a large 6-qt (6-L) pot and fill the pot 2/3 with water, making sure there is enough water to completely cover the meat. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
2. 2
   Let boil for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Let the ham hocks sit in the still-boiling water until the meat begins to fall off the bones.
   • Add more water to the pot as it starts boiling down. The ham hocks should always be completely covered throughout the cooking process.
   • The ham hocks need to be completely cooked before you add the collard greens.
3. 3
   Prepare the collard greens. Separate the leaves and rinse each one under cool, running water. Stack the leaves on top of each other and roll them together. Cut each roll into thin strips using a cutting board and large kitchen knife.
   • If using frozen greens instead of fresh greens, you may not need to separate the leaves, but the leaves should still be thawed and rinsed.
   • Rinse each leaf individually. Do not rinse them all at once.
   • Rolling the leaves and chopping them up in that form can save you time.
4. 4
   Add a batch of collard greens. Add as many collard greens to the boiling water as possible until the pot is full. Cook until they begin to wilt.
5. 5
   Add the remaining collard greens in batches. Once your initial batch of collard greens wilts, you can add the remaining greens in batches. Continue adding the greens in batches, waiting for one batch to wilt before adding the next.
   • Note that you should not remove any of the greens after you add them and after they wilt down.
6. 6
   Salt and continue cooking. Sprinkle salt into the water, stir, and continue cooking for another 30 minutes on medium heat.
   • Stir the contents of the pot occasionally so that the taste of the smoked ham hock spreads throughout the dish.
7. 7
   Serve warm. Once done, drain the water and serve the collard greens and ham hocks alongside one another on the same serving dish.
   • For an added kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the dish before enjoying it.

1. 1
   Combine the ingredients. Place the ham hocks, sauerkraut, onion, carrot, allspice berries, peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, especially the meat.
2. 2
   Bring to a boil. Heat the contents of the pot on high until the water begins to boil rapidly. Once this happens, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low.
   • Do not cover the pot as you boil or simmer the contents.
3. 3
   Simmer for 1 to 2 hours. Let the contents of the stockpot cook at a steady simmer for an hour or so, just until the meat softens and starts falling off the bone.
   • When the water level starts to drop as the water gets cooked away, add more, keeping the level continuously above the contents of the pot.
   • Remove the bay leaf once the ingredients finish cooking.
4. 4
   Serve while still warm. As soon as the meat finishes cooking, spoon out the sauerkraut stew into individual serving dishes. Top with some of the meat, and enjoy.
   • This dish is often served with cooked potatoes.
   • Mustard, horseradish, or mustard with horseradish is also commonly served on the side an an accompaniment for the meat.
   Ad